Oromo History and Culture:
Location: Oromia is located in the horn of Africa between 20 and 120 N, 340 and 440 E. The landscape is varied from rugged mountain ranges in the center and north, to flat to the east.
Area: 600 000 Sq. KM.
Origin: The Oromo people are Cushitic (Kushitic) people who live in the Horn of Africa region for thousands of years.
The land of Cush, Nubia, or the ancient Ethiopia in middle and lower Nile is the home of Cushitic speakers. The Oromo people also known by another name, Gala. The people neither call themselves or like to be called by this name.
The Kushitic speakers have inhabited northeastern and eastern Africa for as long as recorded history. The land of Kush, Nubia or the ancient Ethiopia in middle and lower Nile is the home of the Kushitic speakers. It was most probably from there that they subsequently dispersed and became differentiated into separate linguistic and cultural groups. The Oromo form one of those groups, which spread southwards and then east, and west occupying large part of the Horn of Africa.
Origin of Kush (Cush) people. Cush is a country and people in Africa.
Here is the word of God about Kushitic (Cush) people: Genesis 2:13; Psalm 68:31; Isaiah 19:24-25; 20:3-5
Language: Oromiffa, is considered one of the three most widely spoken languages in Africa.
Population: about 30 million.
Main Mountain: Karra in Arsi, Baatu in Baale, Enkelo in Arsi, Gara Muldhata in Harargie, Baddaa Roggie in Showa, Walal in Wallegga.
Main Rivers: Nile (Abbayyaa) Hawaas, Gannaalee, Waabee, Dhidheessa, Gibe, and Baaroo.
Source of Hydro Electric Power: Qooqaa, Finca’aa, Malkaa Waakennee, Gibe, Tiqqaa. Main Lakes: Abbayya, Hora, Bushooftuu, Qooqaa, Langanno, and Shaala.
Main Cities: Finfinnee (Addis Ababa), Jimma, Dirre Dhowwaa, Awaasa, Harar, Nekemte, Mattuu.
Social Events: Buttaa, Atteetee, coocoo, Daboo (Guuza), Wadaaja.
Conflict Resolution Mechanism: Jaarsummaa (Jaarrummaa), Araara, Gumaa.
Symbols: Long Grass, (Coqorsa) Symbol of life.
Sycamore (Odaa): symbol of Gadaa Democratic System.
Bokkuu: Power
Alangaa (Alangee): Law
Sports: Horse Race, (Gugsii, Gulufuu), , Running, (Fiigicha), Jumping, (Utaalchoo), Wrestling, (Waldhaasoo), Soccer, Fencing (Faccee) Field Hokey (Kollee), Skating, (Sigigoo), Swing, (Fududdee), etc...
Religion: Christian, Muslim, Waaqa (traditional Oromo religion)
Oromo Religious Leaders: Abbaa Gammachis (Onusmos Nasib), Reverend Guddinaa Tumsaa, Reverend Dafaa Jammoo, Sheik Bakrii Sappaloo, Sheik Huseen Baale.
Oromoo Heroes: Taaddasaa Birruu, Elemoo Qilxuu, Baaroo Tumsaa, Maammoo Mazamir, Abiishee Garbaa, Oliiqaa Dingil, Fatansaa Iluu, Muhee Abdoo, Magarsaa Barii, Gadaa Gammadaa, Abboomaa Mitikkuu, Muldhis Abbaa Gadaa, Ahmad Bunaa.
Climate: Four Seasons mainly: Spring=Birraa Summer=Bona Fall=Arfaasa Winter=Gannaa Generally, mild on higher altitudes, warm and wet to the central and west, warm and dry to the east.
Agriculture: Oromo has a mixed farming economy, raising both crops and animals. The main crops are grains: Xaafii, Barley, Wheat, Corn, Sorghum, millet, and maize.
Vegetable: Tomato, Onion, Garlic, Ginger, lettuce, Cabbage, Beets, Squash, Pumpkins, Orange, Lemon, Peaches, Banana, Spinach, Beans, and Peas.
Coffee: Oromia is the natural home and the birthplace of Coffee. Coffee was first discovered in Kafaa, western part of Oromia (thousands of years ago) by a Goat Shepherd. Jimmaa, the capital city of Kafaa is considered a hub of coffee trade center in Oromia. Coffee was gradually exported to various parts of the world including to Central and West of Africa, South Arabia, Brazil, Columbia, Mexico, India, and other parts of the world. Oromo Coffee is one of the best Coffees in the world. Oromia (Ethiopia) is the sixth largest Coffee exporting countries in the world.
Farm animals: include cattle, Sheep, Goat, Chicken, Camel, and Horse.
Natural Resources: Gold, Marble, limestone, Platinum, Sulphur, Iron, and Silver.
Oromo Dishes: Buddeena, Ittoo, Shoorbaa, Cumboo, Giixxaa, Caccabsaa, Marqaa (Shuuroo), Mulluu ( Shuumoo), Maxinoo, Maroo, Bassoo (Bachoo), Qorii, Buna Qalaa, Cuuqqoo, Ancootee.
Refreshment Drinks: Coffee (Buna, Quxxii), Milk (Annan), Tea (Shaayee), Bulbula (Cuunfaa Dammaa), Urgufaa.
Home made Beverages: Home made Beer (Farsoo), Daadhii, Booka, Araqii, Bordee, Buqurii
Tourist Attraction Areas: Sodarree, (Park and Recreation) Sofi Omar (about 10 miles long tunnel), Special birds around Awaasa, Natural Hot spring water of Finfinnee, Natural Mineral water of Ambo and ancient places like Harlaa near Dirree Dhowwaa.
Social-political System: Gada system, highly developed democratic system based on age-group with defined ages and roles.
Calendar: Oromo calendar is based on lunar and solar cycles. Day begins and ends with the rise and setting of the sun. Seven days a week, twelve months a year. Days and months are given names.
